Germany: Bundestag and Bundesrat remain divided over FITS issue
The mediation committee between the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat for solar promotion – set up to find a compromise regarding the issue of feed-in tariffs (FITs) – failed to reach a consensus after meeting for the first time yesterday.
Spanish associations still struggling with government over FITs
Until now, the Spanish photovoltaics associations have not been able to come to a compromise in terms of the planned reductions of feed-in tariffs. Negotiations were held between the parties yesterday.
Availability of critical raw materials for PV under pressure
The availability of critical raw materials for products like thin layer photovoltaics (PV) is coming increasingly under pressure, according to a new report published by the European Commission, due to the growth of developing economies and new emerging technologies.
Apollo Solar enters into USD$2.55 billion sales contract
Apollo Solar Energy Technology Holdings Limited, Fujian Apollo and Hanergy have entered into a principal sales contract worth USD$2.55 billion.
Innotech Solar to open new factory in Germany
pv magazine has learnt that under the long-term strategic partnership announced by Q-Cells SE and Innotech Solar (ITS) today, ITS will open a new factory next year near Halle, Germany.
BP oil spill a "wake-up call" for solar industry
The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) has said that the BP oil spill has been a “wake-up call” for the industry to develop clean energy sources, like solar.
Solar powered aircraft to undergo night flight trials
A solar powered aircraft, which flew its first successful flight in April, is due to undergo night flight trials.
Speaker programme for UK PV conference confirmed
The speaker lineup for the UK PV conference due to be held on June 22 at Central Hall Westminster, in England, has been announced.
Spain plans to reduce payment rates for existing facilities by 30 percent
During a controversial closed meeting held today, Spains Industry Minister, Miguel Sebastian informed industry associations that from July 1 remuneration rates for existing photovoltaics plants could be drastically reduced.
World's first hybrid solar facility to use aluminum frames
Hydro’s Extrusion Americas unit has signed an agreement with Florida Power & Light (FPL) to supply custom aluminum extrusions for the first hybrid solar/fossil fuel energy generating facility in the world. When it comes online later this year, the Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center will produce 75 megawatts (MW). It will be the world’s second-largest solar plant and the largest outside of California.
